Unknown author asks:
I noticed that the color of her normally pinkish/white belly, where the fur is thin in front of her hind legs, had changed to a darker brownish color.
To all on the list that have been noticing dark skin on their doxies, there are several things that may cause this. Some of it may be the skin maturing to its natural color - I have dogs that are light skinned, and those that are dark skinned. But the dark skinned dogs are darker on all skin I can see. In older dogs, this may be part of the natural aging process as well. However, there is a VERY COMMON condition in dachshunds knows as acanthosis nigricans. From the research I have done I understand that this can occur in a benign form or in a "malignant" form. Only the malignant form requires concern. I am "pasting" three definitions from my genetics file in that somewhat describe what this looks like. The most frequent version appears as dark skin in the armpits. Hope you find this information helpful. All references are from Web sites - would be glad to share URL's is anyone has an interest in where the info came from. Cheri Faust (Madison, WI)
ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS: (dachshunds): a skin disease where the skin becomes thickened and dark, primarily affecting the axillae (armpits).
ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS Definition (human): A skin condition characterized by increased pigmentation (darkening of the skin) and hyperkeratosis (thickening of the skin). It occurs most commonly in the flexural skin areas (behind knee, front of elbow, neck, etc.). The disorder is related to insulin metabolism and appears in diseases which affect insulin metabolism including obesity. In adults the condition may be associated with malignant tumors.
ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS: Overview (canine): Acanthosis nigricans is a poorly-understood condition in dogs in which the skin becomes blackened. The process typically starts in the armpits and groin and the skin becomes thick, greasy and heavily pigmented. Inflammatory pigmentation is common in dogs, but this condition is distinct. The diagnosis is verified by biopsies for histopathologic assessment. Treatment is sometimes successfiil with topical therapies, oral vitamin E, topical corticosteroids and injectable melatonin. Mode of Inheritance: Not known but presumed to be autosomal recessive or polygenic.
Breeds affected: Dachshund
Recommendations: Do not breed affected animals, their siblings or their parents. No screening tests currently avallable for caniers.
Hi all Amy here:
In a book on canine skin disorders, one of the typical symptoms of hypothyroid is darkened pigment spots on the skin. Dogs do not react to hypothyriod as people do. So their symptoms can be varied and odd. They can gain OR lose weight. Lose or not lose hair coat or it can just thin out (this is usually one of last symptoms to show up) but it usually always gets real dry, brittle and generally yuckie looking not shiny and beautifl. They will usually get a waxy type of dandruff white or yellowish. Activity level will drop gradually. But in the advanced stages they will almost all have a real "hang-dog" look in their face: furrowed brow with wrinkles and a real sad expression. They are usually less active than before. very porne to ear infections, foot infections ( like interdigital cysts) eye or lid infections, skin infections or any other infections that seem to be going around. I have aa dog of another breed that is on thyroid replacement so i really boned up on the info :-) Most of the symptoms go away when on the replacement therapy. I found that some of the pigment spots will stay but most will leave or lighten up. I always have my dog retested if any of the symptoms come back or once per year. Amy et al
You could ask your vet if the addition of a teaspoon of brewers yeast, 1/8 teasp. of kelp & 1 tablespoon of honey to her diet would have any adverse effect. This was used years ago. Also, there is a creme on the market, perfect solutions with Ester C. I have used this, with some success, on a number of skin problems. It contains comfrey, marigold, chamomile, almond oil, aloe, several other oils and ester C. I get it our local health food store. Gretchen Miller
Alice, The benadryl is the same. My vet said to use the same dosage as you would for a 12 yo child, liquid or pill form. When Claudius gets his rash from freshly mowed grass, he prefers to take 'grape' flavored liquid right from the pediatric medicine spoon. Lynn Jones